The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Deep Blue Project to vulnerable coastal and maritime corridors across the country, including the sensitive Bakassi axis, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and safeguard the nation’s territorial waters.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, , disclosed this on Thursday during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of 492 Advanced Combat Personnel and Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group held at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks, Elele.

The Minister described the Deep Blue Project as a strategic national security initiative designed to combat piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishing, crude oil theft, and other maritime crimes threatening the country’s blue economy potential.

According to him, the expansion of the project to additional coastal communities and maritime routes will further consolidate the gains already recorded in the Gulf of Guinea, where Nigeria has continued to receive global recognition for improved maritime safety and security.

He commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, , for its commitment to enhancing maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities through the Deep Blue Project.

The Minister also praised the graduating personnel for successfully completing rigorous tactical and combat training, urging them to remain disciplined, professional, and committed to national service in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Speaking at the event, officials noted that the newly trained operatives would be deployed across strategic maritime locations to support inter-agency operations aimed at protecting Nigeria’s waterways, critical maritime assets, and coastal communities.

The ceremony featured tactical demonstrations, equipment displays, and operational capability presentations by members of the Deep Blue Project Task Group, showcasing the Federal Government’s determination to sustain a secure and economically viable maritime environment.